Strike looms at Notts power stations as unions reject pay offer

Workers at the gas and coal-fired Cottam power stations in Nottinghamshire have rejected a 3.4 per cent pay increase from the owner, EDF Energy.

The three trade unions – the GMB, Unite and Prospect – were looking for around 4 per cent, according to an industrial relations source. He added that the 200 workers involved were angry that EDF Energy's boss, Vincent de Rivaz, has received substantial pay rises in recent years.

The source added that 98 per cent of workers rejected the proposal and industrial action was now possible. "They overwhelmingly rejected the pay offer at Cottam," said the source.

There is now likely to be a ballot for industrial action. However, an EDF spokesman said that it was keen for negotiations to continue until a settlement was reached so that the station's work was not disrupted.

He said: "We are in continued discussions with all parties and we are working with them to try to resolve this issue amicably. Whatever happens, we are committed to continue to run the plant safely."

EDF annoyed customers last month when it announced a 15.4 per cent price hike in its gas prices. Residential electricity will rise by 4 per cent. Both take effect on 10 November.